Archive - 2025

XGIMI Launches Sub-Brand: Vibe

XGIMI, the global leader in smart projection, today announced the launch of Vibe by XGIMI, a new sub-brand dedicated to making projection more fun, approachable, and inspiring for first-time users. The debut product, Vibe One, is designed as a lifestyle companion that transforms any space into a cinema, social hub, or creative zone — without the steep price or complicated setup.

For many consumers, their first projector experience often comes from a low-quality device that leaves them frustrated. Vibe by XGIMI was created to change that — offering newcomers a projector that feels reliable, enjoyable, and built for everyday living.

“Projectors should spark joy, not disappointment. With Vibe One, we’re giving users a product that’s simple, fun, and dependable, while still carrying the design DNA XGIMI is known for,” said Apollo Zhong, Chairman at XGIMI.

Continuous Momentum for the Projector Giant

This launch marks another milestone as XGIMI continues its global expansion. Renowned for its premium home projectors, the company recently debuted its first commercial-grade flagship projector at IFA Berlin 2025, showcasing breakthroughs in light engines, automated image correction, and advanced in-house manufacturing. Drawing insights from over 7 million global users, XGIMI is leveraging its deep expertise in optics, software, and design to meet broader consumer needs. With the introduction of Vibe by XGIMI, the company brings this technology and experience into a new category, positioning Vibe One as the perfect entry point for a new generation of projector users.

A Fresh Approach to Projection

Vibe One blends big-screen entertainment with lifestyle-driven features that make it more than just a projector – including colorful ambient light modes to set the mood, rich JBL-powered sound, and smart streaming via Google TV and licensed Netflix. Its compact design, built-in stand, and optional portable battery allow it to fit seamlessly into any moment — from cozy bedroom movie nights to spontaneous gatherings with friends.

Introducing Vibe One — The All-in-One Vibe Creator

Fun, versatile, and affordable, Vibe One is built to bring big-screen joy to everyday life.

Key highlights include:

  • 8-color Ambient Light Mode – Instantly sets the tone for every moment
  • Sound by JBL (Dual 3W Speakers) – Rich, room-filling audio that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker
  • Google TV with Licensed Netflix – One tap, endless entertainment
  • Auto Keystone & Auto Focus – Perfect image setup every time
  • Built-in 160° Stand & Handle – Project anywhere, from wall to ceiling
  • Battery-Powered Model – Up to 1.2h video or 4h music playback
  • Compact, Color-Blocked Design – Available in Cloud Ash and Blue Spark

Pricing & Availability

Vibe One is now available to ship across Europe (including the UK) at €249/£219. In the United States, customers can pre-order today on XGIMI.com at an exclusive early-bird price of $199 (regularly $269). Open sales begin on November 5.

Gengar, I Choose You! A Full Review of Razer’s Pokémon Gengar Gaming Gear

When a new gaming collaboration drops, a little part of me always cringes. You know the feeling, right? Is this just another lazy cash grab, a popular character slapped onto a mediocre product? We’ve all seen it happen. So, when Razer announced they were giving my favorite ghost Pokémon, Gengar, the full treatment with a three-piece collection, I was cautiously optimistic. After the Gengar Kraken Kitty headset sold out almost instantly, the hype was real, and the follow-up mouse and mat had big shoes to fill.

After spending some time fully immersed in the Razer Pokémon Gengar ecosystem: the Kraken Kitty V2 headset, the Cobra mouse, and the Gigantus V2 XXL mousepad, I can tell you this: it’s not just a paint job. It’s a full-blown love letter.

The Main Event: That Spooky Headset

The Kraken Kitty V2 headset is, without a doubt, the star of this show. From the moment you see it, you get what the fuss was about. Razer didn’t just paint a headset purple; they transformed it. The iconic kitty ears are gone, replaced with Gengar’s signature pointy ears and spiky tufts of hair. I was worried they’d feel like cheap, flimsy plastic, but they’re surprisingly sturdy with a nice weight to them that doesn’t make the headset feel heavy on your head.

Underneath the spooky exterior, the headset is built on the Kraken Kitty V2 platform. It features Razer’s TriForce 40mm drivers, which are designed to deliver clear highs, mids, and lows, and it supports 7.1 surround sound for accurate positional audio in games. The non-detachable Razer HyperClear Cardioid Mic is engineered to focus on your voice while minimizing background noise, making it suitable for in-game chat and calls. Connectivity is handled through a standard wired USB-A connection, making it a plug-and-play device for PC and PlayStation.

The color is a gorgeous, deep purple that the official photos just don’t capture. On the side of each earcup, a silhouette of Gengar glows with customizable RGB lighting, which is a fantastic touch. The comfort is there, too. The plush, leather-coated earcups are great for long gaming sessions, and they even added a ring of lighter purple that just makes the whole design pop.

So, how does it sound? Pretty darn good. The 7.1 surround sound works well, giving you a real sense of where sounds are coming from in games like Valorant or Apex Legends. The audio is crisp and clear, especially for dialogue, though a true audiophile might find the bass a little lacking in music. The mic is perfectly fine for chatting with your friends on Discord, but if you’re a serious streamer or podcaster, you’ll probably stick with your dedicated microphone. My only real complaint? The mic isn’t detachable, which feels like a missed opportunity.

The Supporting Cast: A Perfect Match

The Cobra mouse and Gigantus V2 mousepad feel like the essential companions that complete the set. The mouse immediately grabs your attention with Gengar’s grinning face split across the left and right buttons. But it’s the subtle details, like the pattern of tiny ghost-type symbols and purple Poké Balls on the body, that make it feel special.

Performance-wise, the Cobra is a champ. It’s ridiculously light at just 58 grams, making it feel like you’re pushing air across the desk. The optical switches give a crisp, satisfying click, and while it is a wired mouse, the super-flexible cable means it rarely gets in the way. It packs an 8500 DPI optical sensor that allows for precise sensitivity adjustments in 50 DPI increments. The Gen-3 optical switches are rated for a 90-million click lifecycle and offer a blistering 0.2ms actuation time, eliminating double-clicking issues. The mouse connects via a flexible Speedflex cable designed to minimize drag, and its 100% PTFE feet ensure a smooth glide. It also features six programmable buttons and an onboard memory profile to save your settings directly to the device.

Then you unroll the Gigantus V2 mousepad, and the whole setup comes together. This thing is massive, an XXL mat that gives you all the room you could ever need. They smartly placed a huge, vibrant Gengar on the far-left side, so he’s always visible and not covered by your keyboard. But the absolute best part is that it glows in the dark. And I don’t mean a faint, disappointing glow. This thing genuinely radiates a ghostly light, which is just the coolest feature I’ve seen on a mousepad. The top is a textured micro-weave cloth surface optimized for a balance of speed and control, ensuring accurate tracking across all mouse sensors. The base consists of a thick, high-density rubber foam with a grippy, anti-slip texture to keep it firmly planted on your desk during intense gameplay. It’s worth noting that the edges are unstitched, which provides a uniform surface but can be a potential point of wear over long-term use.

The Price of Fandom

Of course, a setup this special comes at a price. The Kraken Kitty V2 headset is the most expensive piece, at around $140. The Cobra mouse will run you about $60, and the Gigantus V2 mousepad is about $50. This is where you have to consider the “fan tax.” The standard Kraken Kitty V2 is about $100, so you’re paying a hefty $40 premium for Gengar’s spooky makeover. The mouse and mousepad each carry about a $20 premium over their standard versions.

Is it worth it? That depends. For the mousepad, the extra cost gets you that amazing glow-in-the-dark feature, which feels like a real upgrade. For the headset and mouse, you’re paying for one of the best-looking designs out there.

The Final Verdict

Using all three pieces together is an experience. The visual synergy is perfect. The shared purple color scheme and repeating patterns make your desk look like a single, cohesive art piece. The slick feet on the Cobra glide effortlessly over the Gigantus surface, which itself hits that perfect sweet spot between speed and control.

So, who is this collection for? If you’re a competitive esports pro demanding the absolute peak of wireless technology, this might not be your first choice. The hardware is solid and more than capable for most gamers, but it’s not Razer’s top-tier gear.

But that’s not the point. This collection is for the fans. It’s for the collectors, the streamers who want a setup that pops on camera, and for anyone who believes their gaming space should be a reflection of their personality. Razer understood the assignment perfectly. They created a set of peripherals that are not only incredible to look at but also genuinely great to use. And that’s a collaboration worth celebrating.

Overall Rating 4 out of 5

Pros

  • The Gengar-themed design is exceptionally detailed and visually cohesive across all three peripherals.
  • The mousepad’s glow-in-the-dark graphic is a unique and impressively executed feature.
  • The Cobra mouse is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for quick, precise movements in games.
  • The Kraken Kitty headset is comfortable for long gaming sessions and has solid audio quality.
  • The Gigantus V2 mousepad surface provides an excellent balance of speed and control for gaming.

Cons

  • The entire collection carries a significant price premium over the standard hardware versions.
  • Both the headset and mouse are wired-only, which may be a drawback for some users.
  • The headset’s microphone is not detachable, limiting its use outside of gaming.
  • The mousepad’s unstitched edges could be prone to fraying over extended use.

Assetto Corsa Rally Announcement Trailer

505 Games and Supernova Games Studios, in technical partnership with KUNOS Simulazioni, are proud to announce Assetto Corsa Rally – the new additional arm within the Assetto Corsa series, dedicated to the thrilling world of rally racing.

Developed by Supernova Games Studios, Assetto Corsa Rally brings the acclaimed realistic driving engine of the Assetto Corsa franchise to one of the most demanding and spectacular motorsport disciplines. The game delivers an authentic and immersive experience that captures the unique essence of rallying – the ultimate test of speed, strategy, reflexes, and composure, all rolled into one.

The title will be available in Early Access on Steam starting November 13, at the special price of £24.99 / $29.99 / €29,99

Supernova Games Studios, part of the Digital Bros Group, is an international team of industry veterans with a strong passion for sim-racing and motorsport.

Thanks to its partnership with KUNOS Simulazioni, the team had access to the acclaimed Assetto Corsa physics engine, which has been specifically refined and fine-tuned to tackle the unique challenges of rally driving.  KUNOS supervised and supported the accuracy of the driving model, ensuring the new entry lives up to the high standards of realism and simulation that define the Assetto Corsa brand.

Assetto Corsa Rally will feature both offline gameplay modes and, gradually throughout Early Access, online multiplayer – always with a focus on simulation fidelity. Each race takes place in a dynamic environment, where day-night cycles, changing weather conditions, directly impact driving performance.

Temperature, humidity, surface type, and water progressively affect grip and vehicle response, making every stage feel unique. These elements are not mere visual effects but are integral to the physical simulation model, requiring drivers to demonstrate precision, sensitivity, and adaptability to master every situation.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR A TRUE-TO-LIFE SIMULATION

The proprietary physics engine developed by KUNOS Simulazioni has been adapted and refined to realistically simulate the unique dynamics of rally racing, including:

  • Jumps and uneven surfaces.
  • Slippery and variable road conditions.
  • Dynamic weather.
  • Realistic vehicle behavior across all types of terrain.

A key element is the use of laser scan technology for every stage in each rally event, enabling accurate reproduction of:

  • Real-world terrain formations.
  • Road surface irregularities and characteristics.
  • Details of the surrounding environment like vegetation positioning.

This approach – for the first time in the rally sim genre – delivers an unprecedented level of realism, deepening the authenticity of the driving experience.

In parallel, the team at Supernova, leveraging its consolidated experience with Unreal Engine 5, has customized and optimized it to the specific needs of racing games, ensuring high visual fidelity and performance.

CONTENT AND LOCATIONS

At the start of Early Access, Assetto Corsa Rally will feature:

  • 33km of fully laserscanned real life roads.
  • 4 Special Stages with 18 variants, set across gravel roads in Wales and tarmac roads in Alsace.
  • 10 iconic rally cars, including Group B, WRC and Rally2 vehicles.
  • 5 game modes, triple screen support, and more.

The complete game aims to include:

  • Over 120 km of faithfully recreated rally stages using laser scan technology.
  • 10 Special Stages with over 35 variants set across 5 international rallies, with new roads and content added continuously.
  • A full car roster featuring over 30 vehicles selected from the most iconic rally cars of the past and present.
  • New game modes, a rally school, a career mode, and complete VR support.

EXTREME DETAIL AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO

Each car has been recreated using laser scans and official CAD files, delivering uncompromising accuracy in every component.

  • Advanced damage system: combines visual deformations with physical damage that directly impacts vehicle behavior, enhancing realism and challenge.

The experience is further elevated by an audio system designed to maximize immersion:

  • Authentic sound recordings: real-life acceleration, braking, and drifting sounds, captured both inside and outside the cockpit.
  • Co-driver pacenotes: developed in collaboration with professional co-drivers, featuring their original voices.

“Feeling the lack of a modern rally simulator, we’ve built a team and developed a technology to create one ourselves, with the support of drivers, engineers, collectors, mechanics, and industry experts.” commented Mauro Notarberardino, Supernova Studio Director.

“A special thanks goes to KUNOS Simulazioni, whose partnership was crucial in maintaining the signature feel of the series – especially in terms of the driving model – in this new chapter. Today marks an exciting new beginning for Supernova and Assetto Corsa Rally, and we can’t wait to share the journey with you.”

“A rally version of Assetto Corsa, when?! It has been one of the most frequent questions I’ve received over these years” says Marco Massarutto, Co-Founder of KUNOS Simulazioni and the Assetto Corsa franchise and Executive Manager for KUNOS Simulazioni  “and I can finally provide an answer.

A proper rally simulation requires a dedicated approach that can leverage the unique aspects of this motorsports discipline. Racing primarily against the chronometer, rather than against dozens of real-time processed AI opponents, frees up noticeable CPU resources, and this allows developers to push the boundaries of physics, as well as mechanical behaviour and tire models, across different surfaces that Assetto Corsa Rally will feature and simulate.

The result is a dedicated and genuine rally simulation, powered by the Assetto Corsa physics engine, that can fully exploit its potential without compromise. Combining this advanced engine with some of the best real rally stages reproduced using laser-scan technology, the most iconic rally cars, adding up on the passion and competence of the Supernova dev-team, will allow to deliver an ultimate experience that fans have been anticipating for decades.”

Assetto Corsa Rally will debut at Dortmund’s SimRacing Expo, organized by South West Vision, this weekend, from Friday, October 17th, to Sunday, October 19th at several exhibition booths, with a main stage in the FANATEC area.

A special thanks for this weekend’s show goes to FANATEC and South West Vision, which 505 Games, Supernova Game Studios and KUNOS Simulazioni are very thankful to, for the spaces made available to experience Assetto Corsa Rally at its best.

Michael Wamser from South West Vision commented “Kunos Simulazioni has been driving passion and innovation with the Assetto Corsa franchise since 2014, contributing significantly to the evolution and success of the SimRacing Expo. We are proud to continue our collaboration this year, celebrating our shared commitment to the future of virtual motorsport.”

Belma Nadarevic, Senior Director, Marketing at Fanatec said “We’re thrilled to join Supernova Games Studios and Kunos Simulazioni on another exciting journey and to provide the perfect stage for their new simulation. Fanatec hardware has always been about immersion and realism, and we can’t wait for fans to experience their new creation on our latest equipment for the very first time.”

For more information about Assetto Corsa Rally, visit:  https://store.steampowered.com/app/3917090/Assetto_Corsa_Rally/

Wishlist now and join our Early Access program to experience the game months ahead of its official release at a reduced price and help with your feedback the development team to fine-tune gameplay, optimize performances, and give the game its overall polish.

Stay tuned across the official Assetto Corsa Rally website (https://www.assettocorsa.gg/assetto-corsa-rally/) and Assetto Corsa social channels. More details on game features will come down the road.

Frozen District and Frozen Way Reveal a Deeper Look at the House Flipper Remastered Collection

Following the exclusive premiere of its new trailer at IGN Fan Fest: Fall Edition, developers from Frozen District and Frozen Way are excited to reveal a deeper look at the highly anticipated House Flipper Remastered Collection, showcasing new mechanics, improved tools, and redesigned items.

In addition, players eager to get their hands on the tools early can now sign up for the closed playtest, set to begin later this year. To secure a spot, simply head to the game’s Steam page and request access. Don’t miss the chance to start flipping before everyone else!

More detailed information about the features and improvements introduced in House Flipper Remastered Collection can be found on the game’s Steam page (https://store.steampowered.com/app/3710840/House_Flipper_Remastered_Collection/).

About House Flipper Remastered Collection

House Flipper is back! Renovate houses, sell them, and make a profit, this time with upgraded graphics, reimagined characters, and long-awaited quality of life changes, with a whole collection of DLCs in House Flipper Remastered Collection. In the game, players will start their journey as a House Flipper. Flipping is a tiresome and challenging work, but with their trusty tools, every player can bring the houses to their full potential!

Gameplay in House Flipper Remastered Collection hasn’t changed from the original. You’ll still be responsible for renovating the old, filthy apartments or destroyed houses needing a second life. So grab your trusty tools and prepare to clean, paint, furnish, and much more before selling and making a profit from every house in the game.

The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes Out Now

The Lumistella Company, the powerhouse behind the globally cherished Santaverse™ and The Elf on the Shelf® tradition, and Outright Games, a leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, announced today that The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.

The iconic Scout Elf’s debut in a console and PC game, The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes, celebrates the character’s 20th anniversary with a joyful 2D puzzle-platforming adventure perfect for families and players of all ages.

“We can’t wait to further immerse families in the magic of the North Pole through Christmas Heroes,” said Chanda Bell, co-founder and co-CEO of The Lumistella Company. “We’ve always looked for new ways to share our characters, stories and adventures with the world, and now families can actually step inside and experience it for themselves. Whether they’re solving puzzles, exploring Santa’s Workshop, or just enjoying a bit of festive fun together, the game invites everyone to be part of the magic.”

The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes invites players of all ages to dive into a festive world filled with holiday magic, where families can take on the role of a Scout Elf-in-training and race through 24 levels that cover the North Pole, from lively training grounds to the heart of Santa’s Workshop. The immersive experience is packed with playful puzzles, cookie-themed challenges, and delightful mini-games designed to keep everyone entertained. Thanks to easy-to-use controls and thoughtful accessibility options, like auto-collection and invincibility mode, even the youngest players can join in on the fun and experience the joy of saving the Christmas season.

Marking two decades of holiday magic, The Lumistella Company has become a beloved name in homes around the world. Their cherished The Elf on the Shelf tradition has inspired creativity, imagination, and family unity for millions across more than 29 countries. With over 31 million Scout Elves and related products sold globally, the company continues to bring joy through storytelling, innovation, experiences and products. Now, with the launch of Christmas Heroes, the magic of The Elf on the Shelf takes a new form – inviting players to join an interactive adventure and experience the tradition like never before.

“We’re thrilled that The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is now available for players around the world,” said Stephanie Malham, Managing Director of Outright Games. “We wanted to ensure that the moment you start playing, it’s like stepping right into Santa’s workshop. From festive challenges to joyful storytelling, it’s designed to create memorable moments and spread holiday cheer. We’ve captured the spirit of the holidays in a way that’s fun and accessible for the whole family, and we can’t wait for everyone to jump in and experience the game together.”

The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is now available on all major consoles and PC. To learn more, visit OutrightGames.com.

Texas Chain Saw Massacre Double XP Event

Gun Interactive is celebrating the Halloween season in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre with a limited-time Double XP event. The event is now live and will run through October 22nd.

During this period, all players will earn twice the normal experience points for their matches in Muerto County. The promotion encourages players to log in and level up, whether they are playing as a member of the Slaughter Family or a Victim attempting to escape.

The Double XP event concludes on October 22nd.

IO Interactive Celebrates 25 Years of Hitman with Special Anniversary Edition Box Set

IO Interactive, the independent video game developer and publisher behind, among others, the internationally acclaimed HITMAN franchise, has released today a special PlayStation 5 physical-only limited edition 25th Anniversary Box for HITMAN World of Assassination to mark the anniversary of the series. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Hitman, a milestone celebrating a legacy of creative stealth and unforgettable assassinations. The latest entry of the franchise, HITMAN World of Assassination, has welcomed more than 80 million players and surpassed 25 million sales, cementing Hitman’s place as one of gaming’s most enduring and acclaimed franchises.

The HITMAN World of Assassination – Anniversary Box is available now at select retailers for $49,99, €49,99, £44,99 (SRP), at the following link.

This special release features an exclusive shadowbox, a special visual for the PS5 game case, four highly acclaimed celebrity DLCs (The Undying, The Drop, The Splitter, and The Banker), along with a collectible Lenticular Art Card celebrating the franchise’s legacy.

Metro Rivals: New York Announcement Trailer

Dovetail Games today announced Metro Rivals: New York, an innovative and genre-defying subway simcade game currently in development. Set to release early 2026, the game is now available to wishlist on Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

In Metro Rivals: New York, players step into a near-future New York City where the subway system has been carved into 10 fiercely contested districts. Each is controlled by one or more of the five Track Titans – larger-than-life celebrity drivers who dominate their territory with unrivalled skill, enormous social media influence, and unshakable reputations. These figures guard their turf with ferocity, and only the most talented newcomer has any chance of challenging their dominance.

Players begin their journey with nothing but a hand-me-down train and a determination to rise. To succeed, they must take on a variety of missions, earn cash fares, upgrade their train’s performance, build a loyal following, and win respect. This journey is about more than speed; it requires strategy, precision, and cool-headed execution.

With authentic simulation at its heart and adrenaline-fueled gameplay running through its veins, the game blends strategy and story-driven action in a way that demands both nuance and skill. From high-stakes rivalries to carefully planned upgrades, Metro Rivals: New York offers a fresh and thrilling take on the train sim genre.

In addition to its single-player campaign, the game features an intense PvP mode where up to four players can compete online or with friends. Here, drivers race to stop at designated platforms, but victory is not determined by speed alone. Players are scored on their ability to handle their train with precision and control under pressure, and only the competitor with the highest score leaves with the spoils and the bragging rights – and a place at the top of the asynchronous leaderboards.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Metro Rivals: New York also includes options for players to set their own paths, hop into their train, and enjoy the sights of the city (and their train!)

And for players’ trains to be the envy of everyone on the rails, customization plays a large role. Players can express themselves with extensive options to upgrade their train’s performance, apply unique skins and liveries in signature colors, and personalize their character’s appearance to stand out on the tracks. There will be in-game purchases, but these will be entirely cosmetic. No pay-to-win.

This release also signals Dovetail Games’ first foray into Unreal Engine 5 development, offering more deeply immersive experiences than ever before with tools such as Nanite, Lumen, and procedural generation designed to create a world that feels intensely alive. Working with Reactional Music, players’ sessions will pulse with the same rhythm that players will feel when shooting down the subway to beat a Track Titan.

Rob O’Farrell, co-CEO of Dovetail Games, said: “Metro Rivals: New York marks a bold new chapter in the Dovetail Games portfolio, offering a real sense of pick-up-and-play, thrill, speed, and excitement within the simcade genre. By merging our deep knowledge of trains with the expertise and talent of our development teams, and by harnessing Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen, Nanite, and procedural generation, we are confident this will deliver an incredibly immersive and exciting experience for players to enjoy in both single-player and our first-ever train multiplayer experience.

“We are also excited to announce we are working with the team at Reactional Music, introducing its procedural music engine into Metro Rivals: New York. Reactional real-time musical interactivity means music is fully native and cinematically integrated in the game, even when swapping tracks.”

Gemma Brown, co-CEO of Dovetail Games, summarizes the experience: “Metro Rivals: New York feels gritty, fast-paced, and full of energy. It keeps you on your toes and blends the attitude of New York with the thrill of a competitive simcade racing experience – think Crazy Taxi meets Need for Speed: Underground. Early feedback from our new on-site Playlab has been fantastic, and we can’t wait to get it into players’ hands next year.”

Metro Rivals: New York is being developed for Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with release planned for early 2026. Players can wishlist the game now and sign up to the official mailing list via https://metrorivals.com/gb/NewYork to receive the latest updates. Follow along on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky and YouTube for ongoing news and announcements.

Marvel Rivals Unveils Zombie Mode and Halloween Event

Today at gamescom Asia and the Thailand Game Show, Marvel Games and NetEase Games unveiled new announcements and details for Marvel Rivals, the award-winning and critically-acclaimed Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter that lets players assemble an ever-evolving all-star squad of Super Heroes and Super Villains battling with unique powers across a dynamic lineup of destructible maps from across the Marvel Multiverse. Marvel Rivals will see the introduction of a brand new, limited-time PvE Zombie Mode. These announcements were made by Marvel Games Executive Producer Danny Koo during the keynote presentation at gamescom Asia and the Thailand Game Show.

Under Khonshu’s guidance, infiltrate Midtown New York—now engulfed by the zombie virus—alongside your remaining Super Hero teammates. Your objective is singular: Find and stop the Queen of the Dead and her evil plan at any cost. In this new Mode inspired by Marvel Animation’s Marvel Zombies, you’ll get to play as Thor, Blade, Magik, Jeff, or The Punisher, taking on endless waves of zombies. You’ll have to survive the horde, go toe-to-toe with Zombie Namor and The Queen of the Dead as bosses, and fight to save the world from getting totally zombified. Each hero has been given some unique abilities: Charge through the hordes as Jeff, slice and dice with Blade’s bouncing Moon Blades, shock zombies with Thor in his persistent Awakened state, or go berserk as Magik in her unlimited Darkchild form! Showcase your epic combat skills against the zombie swarms and tough bosses!

In addition to the above, players can continue to get all the latest information from the Game Update featuring full Patch Notes and Hero Balance adjustments.

All Bang, No Brains: Our Battlefield 6 Campaign Review

Let’s be honest, the bar for Battlefield 6‘s campaign was, to put it mildly, on the floor. After Battlefield 2042 launched as a multiplayer-only affair, the collective groan from a big chunk of the community was audible. We wanted a story. We wanted those big, cinematic, single-player moments that break up the endless grind of online matches. So, when EA and DICE announced the campaign was back, it felt like a promise. A course correction. A sign they were listening.

They brought back the single-player, but maybe they shouldn’t have.

What we got is a strange, beautiful, and ultimately hollow experience. It’s a campaign that feels like it was made from a checklist of what people think a military shooter campaign should be, without any of the heart or creativity that makes one memorable. It’s a technical marvel that, sadly, forgot to be fun.

First, the Good Stuff: It’s a Heck of a Light Show

Before I get too deep into the weeds, let’s give credit where it’s due. Visually and audibly, this campaign is an absolute monster. The sound design is, without a doubt, world-class. The ear-shattering crack of a sniper rifle, the deafening roar of a building collapsing, the sheer chaos of a firefight – it’s all incredibly visceral. If you have a good sound system, you’re in for a treat.

And the destruction! Man, when the game lets loose, it’s a sight to behold. Watching entire structures crumble into dust and rebar is pure, unadulterated Battlefield. The gunplay also feels fantastic; every weapon has a satisfying weight and punch to it that makes the simple act of shooting feel great. There are moments, like a frantic battle on a crumbling New York bridge, where the sheer spectacle is enough to make you say “wow”.

If you’re just looking for a playable Michael Bay movie to turn your brain off for a few hours, it absolutely delivers on the eye and ear candy.

Okay, Now for the Bad News: The Story is a Slog

Here’s the thing. A pretty game is nice, but a campaign needs a story you can actually get invested in. And this is where Battlefield 6 completely falls apart. The plot is a predictable, jingoistic mess straight out of 2008, pitting your elite squad against a generic evil private military corporation called Pax Armata. It’s a seven-hour “cliche bombardment” that feels like a straight-to-streaming action flick you’d forget by the time the credits roll.

The characters are even worse. I just finished the game, and I honestly couldn’t tell you a single personality trait for any of them beyond their class role: Assault, Engineer, Recon, Support. They’re cardboard cutouts who speak exclusively in tired military jargon. The game tries to have these big emotional moments, but they never land because you have zero connection to these people. Who are they? Why should I care? The game never gives you a reason.

A Game That Forgot What It Was

What’s truly baffling is how the campaign abandons everything that makes Battlefield unique. This is the franchise of massive sandbox maps, tactical freedom, and emergent, player-driven moments. Yet, for most of its runtime, the campaign funnels you down tight, linear corridors that feel more like a bad Call of Duty impression than a Battlefield game.

It’s so painfully on-rails. The most exciting set pieces are often ripped from your control and shown in a cutscene. You’re less of a supersoldier and more of a passenger on a very loud, very explosive theme park ride. This problem is made worse by the enemy AI, which is, to put it charitably, brain-dead. Enemies just stand out in the open or pop out of the same piece of cover repeatedly, turning firefights into a tedious game of whack-a-mole instead of a tactical challenge.

The Final Insult

Perhaps nothing sums up this campaign better than what happens when you finish it. After the credits roll on the brief, five-to-seven-hour story, the game presents you with a pop-up. It suggests you can now uninstall the single-player portion to save hard drive space.

Just think about that. The game itself encourages you to immediately delete a huge chunk of it. It’s a quiet admission from the developers that they know what they made: a disposable, one-and-done experience. It validates the feeling many of us had – that this campaign was a rushed, low-priority afterthought tacked on to avoid the backlash 2042 got.

Ultimately, the Battlefield 6 campaign is a massive missed opportunity. It’s a beautiful, hollow shell that makes you ache for the glory days of Bad Company 2 or even the flawed-but-memorable campaigns of BF3 and BF4. If you already own the game for its multiplayer, you can burn through it in an afternoon. But for the love of god, don’t buy this game for its story. You’ll be left with nothing but a pretty screensaver and a deep sense of disappointment.

Overall Rating 2 out of 5

Pros:

  • Stunning Graphics and Audio
  • Satisfying Gunplay
  • Spectacular Destruction

Cons:

  • Clichéd and Forgettable Story
  • Restrictive, Linear Gameplay
  • Poor Enemy AI
  • Short and Disposable